This wasn’t the outing Clay Buchholz had been waiting for. Buchholz, making his first start since an injury running the bases in San Francisco last month forced him onto the DL, struggled after the long layoff. Buchholz lasted just four plus innings, facing two batters in the fifth, and gave up five runs – all earned. Jack Cust and Matt Watson each homered off Buchholz as the pitcher labored through 87 pitches on Wednesday afternoon.

Gio Gonzalez, who tends to be a bit wild, put in a solid effort. The lefty tossed six innings and allowed four runs – all earned – while striking out three and walking two.

The Red Sox had eight hits on the day and squandered a bases-loaded situation in the first inning to break the game open before Buchholz even took the mound. And although the bullpen pitched four innings and yielded just one hit and an unearned run, the damage had been done.

Sox Stud of the Game: Jed Lowrie

Appearing in his first game of the year, Lowrie was impressive. Slotted right into the two hole and giving Marco Scutaro the day off, Lowrie reached base three times, scored a run and drove in his first RBI of the season.

Sox Dud of the Game: Clay Buchholz

Buchholz couldn’t shake off the rust in his first outing since coming off the disabled list. The A’s lineup, not known for offensive prowess in this incarnation, knocked him around for four plus innings.

Game Notes:

W: Gonzalez (9-6)
L: Buchholz (10-5)
SV: Wuertz (2)

Adrian Beltre hit his 16th home run.

A’s left fielder Matt Watson hit his first major league home run in the second inning.

Kevin Youkilis made his third error of the season – just his fourth error at first base going back to the start of the 2009 season.

About Mike Carlucci

Mike Carlucci writes about the Red Sox for Sports of Boston and can be found blogging about baseball and technology. He has a J.D and enjoys palindromes and espresso. You can follow him on Twitter @mikecarlucci or on Google+.